Caninsulin® Cartridges for Dogs and Cats

What Caninsulin Is and How It Works

Caninsulin® is a veterinary insulin used to manage diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats. It is supplied as cartridges designed for accurate dosing with the VetPen. This page helps you compare options, learn safe use, and access US delivery from Canada without insurance.

CanadianInsulin connects patients with licensed Canadian pharmacies. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic before dispensing.

This medicine is a porcine lente insulin suspension. It lowers blood glucose by improving cellular uptake of glucose and reducing hepatic output. As a suspension, it must be gently mixed before each dose so the crystals disperse evenly. Follow your veterinarian’s plan and the device instructions to maintain consistent daily routines.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated for dogs and cats diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. It can be an option for newly diagnosed pets or those transitioning from other insulin types when a prescriber recommends the VetPen device for dosing simplicity. Do not use during episodes of hypoglycemia or in pets with known hypersensitivity to insulin components. Use caution in animals with concurrent endocrine disease, severe kidney or liver issues, or in pregnant or nursing queens and bitches. This product is not for human use.

If your pet’s health status changes, including appetite, activity, or medications, contact your veterinarian. For a broader view of veterinary options, explore Pet Medications.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing is individualized by the veterinarian. Many pets receive injections twice daily timed with meals. Consistent feeding and dosing schedules help maintain stable glucose levels. Give injections exactly as directed using the VetPen and compatible needles. Do not mix this insulin with other insulins or dilute the suspension.

Before each dose, remove the pen cap and inspect the cartridge. Gently invert the loaded pen several times until the suspension appears uniformly milky. Avoid vigorous shaking, which can create bubbles and affect dosing accuracy. Attach a new sterile pen needle, prime per the device instructions, dial the prescribed dose, and inject subcutaneously in a rotating site pattern. Keep careful records of doses, meal times, water intake, activity, and any signs of low or high blood sugar. If instructions are unclear, your veterinarian should clarify the plan.

Owners who prefer background reading on cartridge devices can review Insulin Cartridges and a practical overview comparing delivery tools in Pen vs Syringe.

Strengths and Forms

These cartridges are typically supplied as 2.7 mL presentations for use with the VetPen device and contain a U-40 strength (40 IU/mL) insulin suspension. Availability can vary by location and packaging. Your veterinarian will recommend the presentation suited to your pet’s plan.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, contact your veterinarian for guidance. If it is close to the time for the next scheduled dose, many prescribers advise skipping the missed dose rather than doubling up. If your pet does not eat, or vomits shortly before dosing, do not give insulin and call the clinic. Keep notes on the event so your veterinarian can adjust the plan if needed.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store unopened and in-use cartridges in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep the pen and cartridges away from heat and direct light. Avoid rough handling, and keep the cap on the pen between uses. Do not use a cartridge if it has been frozen, overheated, cracked, or shows clumps or particles that do not disperse with gentle mixing. Note the in-use discard period on the label; mark the date you first used a cartridge to help track its usable timeframe.

When traveling, carry insulin and pen needles in an insulated bag with cool packs, not in direct contact with the packs. Keep medicines in your carry-on during flights. Bring a copy of the prescription and device instructions in case security staff ask for documentation. Store out of reach of children and pets at all times.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

Follow the VetPen user guide step-by-step. Use a new needle for each injection to reduce contamination and maintain sharpness. Prime the pen as directed to ensure insulin flow and remove air. After dosing, pause with the needle under the skin for the time specified by the device instructions to deliver the full dose. Remove and discard the needle immediately after each injection; do not leave a needle attached between doses. Keep the pen clean and dry and wipe the exterior with a clean cloth if needed. For a refresher on device steps, see Use Insulin Pen.

Dispose of used needles in a puncture-resistant sharps container. Follow local or state guidance for household sharps disposal. Do not throw loose needles into household trash or recycling.

Benefits

This insulin can help reduce classic signs of diabetes in pets, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss, when used as prescribed. The VetPen device offers measured dose increments and a simple dial, which may support more consistent home dosing compared with drawing from a vial. Having cartridges prefilled with suspension also limits handling steps and may reduce preparation time once you are familiar with the routine.

Side Effects and Safety

• Low blood sugar signs: lethargy, weakness, wobbliness, tremors, seizures.
• Digestive upset: decreased appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Behavior changes: restlessness or unusual vocalization.
• Injection site effects: mild swelling, redness, or small lumps.

Serious events are uncommon but require urgent veterinary care. Severe hypoglycemia can be life-threatening. Allergic reactions or injection site infections can occur. If your pet shows collapse, persistent vomiting, seizures, or other alarming signs, seek immediate care. Pets on insulin can have changing needs due to illness, diet, or medications, so regular monitoring with your clinician is important.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Insulin needs can change with other medicines and conditions. Drugs that may raise blood glucose include corticosteroids, progestins, certain diuretics, and thyroid hormones. Medicines that may increase hypoglycemia risk include some beta-blockers, salicylates, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Underlying conditions such as Cushing’s disease, pancreatitis, or kidney or liver impairment can alter insulin response. Tell your veterinarian about all medicines, supplements, and diet changes before starting or adjusting therapy.

What to Expect Over Time

Glycemic control is achieved gradually, with adjustments guided by clinical signs, home logs, and periodic glucose curves. Caregivers often notice steadier thirst and urination as control improves. Weight may stabilize with appropriate nutrition and insulin. Your veterinarian will decide when to review records and whether to adjust doses. Maintaining consistent feeding times, portion sizes, and activity can support a more predictable response. Keep a written log or app-based diary to track patterns and share it during rechecks.

Compare With Alternatives

Some pets do well with other veterinary insulin options. Protamine zinc insulin in a vial format is a common alternative for cats. For dogs and cats that prefer traditional syringes, the same porcine insulin suspension is available in a bottle format. Discuss suitability, dosing schedules, and device preferences with your veterinarian.

Two options you can review include ProZinc® Vial and the Caninsulin® Vial.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pricing can offer meaningful savings for many caregivers. Review availability and place an order through secure checkout. Buy Caninsulin Cartridges after you confirm the prescription details with your clinic. Expect careful handling and US shipping from Canada. If you are looking for occasional specials, see Promotions. For the latest pricing and package sizes, select the product configuration on this page and follow the prompts to verify your prescription.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary. If the cartridges are temporarily unavailable, your veterinarian may recommend an alternative format or class that suits your pet’s plan. Device compatibility and prior glucose data often guide the choice. Your prescriber will advise if a switch is appropriate and how to transition safely.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may suit dogs and cats whose caregivers prefer pen dosing and need predictable increments. It may be less suitable for pets with poor appetite, frequent vomiting, or unstable concurrent illness until those issues are addressed. Caregivers uncomfortable with pen mechanics may prefer vials and syringes after training.

To help manage costs, consider multi-month fills when appropriate, which can reduce per-order fees. Coordinate refills ahead of travel or holidays. Store supplies correctly to avoid waste. Keep an organized kit with spare needles, alcohol swabs, a backup pen needle pack, and a spare cartridge. Set calendar reminders for reorder timing based on the in-use discard date. Bring logs to follow-up visits so adjustments are efficient.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is the VetPen device appropriate for my pet’s dosing needs?
• How should feeding times align with injections for my pet?
• What signs of low or high blood sugar should I watch for at home?
• How long can a cartridge be used after first puncture?
• Which needle size is recommended for my pen and pet’s skin?
• When should we schedule glucose curves or fructosamine tests?
• What steps should I take if my pet misses a meal or vomits?

Authoritative Sources

FDA: Veterinary Insulin Products

Manufacturer: VetPen Information (Merck Animal Health)

Health Canada DPD: Caninsulin

Ready to proceed? Submit your order with prompt, express, cold-chain shipping and reliable US delivery from Canada. Information here is educational and does not replace your veterinarian’s advice.